NZPork signs Government Biosecurity Partnership

NZPork signed the Deed for the Government Industry
Agreement (GIA) for Biosecurity Readiness and Response at
the industry's 2014 Conference yesterday.

Along with
NZPork, the signing was attended by the Minister for Primary
Industries, representatives from the two Deed Signatories
(the Ministry for Primary Industries and Kiwifruit Vine
Health), and from other primary sector industry
groups.

The GIA deed sets the legal framework for NZPork's
participation with MPI in regard to readiness activities for
its priority biosecurity risks. It also gives the industry
an equal voice in decisions in the event of an exotic
disease incursion.

"The industry continues to have
concerns about how biosecurity is being managed, but the GIA
Deed creates an opportunity for us to partner with
Government in a very real and practical way on some priority
issues. This agreement gives the pork industry a place at
the decision table when it comes to preparing for and
managing biosecurity risks specific to our industry. This is
a positive step toward sorting out a critical area for New
Zealand's economy," said NZPork Chairman Ian Carter.

The
structure of the GIA is indicative of MPI seeking to achieve
the best outcomes for the sector, he says.

"That's a
significant change in their approach to working with
industry. I think that's a good sign. The rural sector needs
good working relationships with government agencies around
biosecurity and other issues impacting including
environmental sustainability and animal welfare. We really
need to work together to find durable solutions for the
sector," Mr Carter said.

NZPork is the first animal-based
industry to enter into a GIA and the second industry overall
– behind Kiwifruit Vine
Health.

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